A Guide to Attracting Butterflies

While most insects are not a welcome site to homeowners,
butterflies are the exception. Butterflies add beauty and color to
a garden. If you want to attract butterflies to your yard then all
you need to know is what butterflies are interested in.

Water

Like all living things on this planet, butterflies need water to
survive. You can attract butterflies to your yard by providing them
with a water source. Water can be offered in a bird bath, is a
dish, or with moistened plant leaves.

Plants

In addition to water, butterflies also are attracted by certain
perennial plants. By planting any of the following plants you will
be able to attract butterflies to your yard. The perennial plants
that butterflies like include: aster, bee balm, butterfly weed,
clover, coreopsis, dianthus, lavender, lupine, mint, passion
flower, coneflower, sage, salvia, scabiosa, Shasta daisy, thistle,
violets, and yarrow.

If you live in an apartment, and you want to attract butterflies
to your balcony or patio then you may want to try potted flowers.
There are even butterfly planters that you can buy that contain
flowers and plants that both look pretty and that attract
butterflies. These butterfly plant kits can usually be purchased
for less than $10.

Shelter

Providing your butterflies with a butterfly house is another way
to attract these colorful insects to your yard. Butterfly houses
look similar to bird houses except that they have smaller openings.

Wildlife Friendly Yard

Having a yard that offers a variety of foliage, a water source,
and hiding spots from predators will not only attract butterflies,
but it will also attract other types of wildlife as well. Shady
spots should also be added into the design of your yard.

Understanding

In addition to creating a yard that is attractive to
butterflies, you can also create an environment that is attractive
for the butterfly’s reproduction. Incorporate trees and bushes that
eggs can be laid on, that caterpillars can feed on, and that
cocoons can be built on. If you want butterflies in your yard, you
need to leave caterpillars alone. While they may eat a lot of your
leaves, your tolerance during the larval stage will ensure that
your yard will be fluttering with color in the coming months.

Conclusion

Butterflies are a remarkable creation of nature. They add color,
movement, and beauty to your yard. To attract them to your yard you
need to provide them with food, water, shelter, and space. You will
also need to allow them to go through their life cycle without
interference, which means you shouldn’t kill caterpillars, even
though they are eating the foliage off your favorite trees and
bushes. To reduce caterpillar damage try moving a caterpillar from
your favorite tree to another bush or tree in your yard instead of
killing it.